Claim Completed!

[meghp0405]

I as well as many others on this site have been preaching the fully developed claims. Personally, I have submitted hundreds of them. However, A veteran visited my office today. I did his claim two weeks ago. He had a total of 4 disabilities listed and received his rating decision in the mail last Saturday.. This claim took two weeks and is the quickest claim that I have done. This isn't about me, it never has been. It's about each and every veteran that I see and am able to assist. The Louisville, KY VARO has been doing excellent work on these claims!

I am always one to give credit where credit is due, but these fully developed claims are excellent! However, it does not take away the fact, that thousands and thousands and thousands of veterans have been waiting for years just for some type of notice, this is unfair and unjust and we all still need to hold the VA and it's leadership accountable for their actions, or in-actions....This isn't the way to treat anybody, more especially any individual that has ever worn the uniform of a service to our nation!

[71M10]

My 5 cents, (was 2 cents until quantative easing)

Its great for this veteran, but was this stellar service achieved at the expense of 68% of veterans with claims at that VARO that already were waiting over 125 days? How about dependancy issues and appeals? Louisville's numbers appear to be better than a lot of regional offices. Are their staffing levels higher than other offices per populations served?

Segmented lanes is a logical idea, it will help veterans with clearer or simpler claims. However, vets with complex claims will go to the back of an ever growing line.

Best regards,

[meghp0405]

I understand your frustration 71M10, I really do. I do believe that the lane approach that many VARO's have implemented will assist in the adjudication of claims. It's a start, but like you said, it does nothing for those waiting over the 125 day period.

We can only move forward and when submitting claims, continue the fully developed claim procedure, it's working and working well.

The VA came out with a "provisional" claim today. I'm sure you have heard of it by now. It's on another subject here on Hadit. I don't believe that will work as Shinseki had layed it out.

I don't have the answer for the backlog, but I do know that moving forward the FDC is the way to go. Yes, it requires a lot of leg work by the veteran if there are civilian doctors involved, but it is worth it in the long run.

Best regards,

[71M10]

Ah but the FDC does errode some of the duty to assist/development responsibilities. We will know a lot more about FDC in about 2.5 years when we see BVA and CAVC decisions on FDC claims that were appealed.

[Notorious Kelly]

I'm not familiar with the FDC system and have wondered if the common advice to file claim ASAP to preserve date and then submit evidence later was the best idea.

I'd have gladly given up a couple months of money to get the claim finished faster.

Don't y'all think it would be better to submit all the evidence at the outset even if it cost you a little time?

And good on ya for helping vets Meg and everyone!

[jesusplay]

is submitting online a FDC?

[meghp0405]

no it is not.

You must complete a VA FM 21-526ez and attach ALL supporting medical documentation in support of your claim. If you are doing a dependency claim, complete a VA FM 21-686c, 21-526ez, include copies of the birth certificates and social security numbers.

I would advise NOT to submit a claim online. I have assisted too many veterans that stated they submitted online and had nothing to show for it. When contacting VA, they were told they had nothing of record.

the best way is to complete the documentation, make copies of it all and send it certified mail. If your able to have a veteran service officer assist you, do it. But, find one that is experienced in doing claims. Many VSO's only work once or twice a month. best bet is go to the VA hospital in your area, they have VSO's that are there several days a week.